Friction-spring.



P. HIEN. FBIOTION SPRING.

(Application filed sept. 2. 1902.) (Ilo Model.) 2 Shouts-Shout L i No. 75,069. I Pateted Dec. 2. !902.

atenten Dec. 2, 1902;

No. 7I5,069.

PQHIEN.

FRIGTION SPBING.

(Application filed 2 Sheet-Sheot 2.

se c. 2.

(No Model.)

UlTED STATES PATENT FFCE.

PHILLIP HIEN, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

FRICTION-SPRING.

SPECIFIGATION forming part of Letters Patent No. '715,069, dated December 2. 1902.

Application filed September 2,1902. Serial No. 121,'756. (Ne model.)

To all whom, it may conccrn:

Be it known that I, PHILLIP HIEN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, county of Cook, State of Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Friction-Springs; and I declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as Will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertaius to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

My invention relates in general to apparatus for yieldingly resistiug a strain or for gradually absorbing a shock due, for instance, to the pull or push exerted upon the draw-bar of a car incident to the starting or stopping of a train.

A comparativelylimited relative movement between the draw-bar and draft-tinbers of a car is permitted, and in order that the sudden shocks in pulling and buffing may be absorbed or gradually transmitted from the coupler to the car-frame it is necessary that apparatus should be interposed between the draw-bar and draft-timbers of a car capable of exertiug a great resistance while its mem bers are being relatively moved the available longitudinal distance. I-Ieretofore apparatns for the purpose mentioned has comprised springs or friction-surfaces or a combination of springs and friction-surfaces, the arrangement being such that a sudden puli or push upon the draw-bar is dissipated or grad ually communicated to the draft-timbers of a car through compressing interposed springs or relatively moving the friction devices. In order to secure a combined spring and frictional resistance, it has previously been necessary, so far as I am aware, to employ frictional devices separate from and in addition to a spring or springs.

The primary object of my invention is to provide in an apparatus for transforming a sudden to a gradual relative movement between adjacent parts a plurality of elements capable when subjected to compression of individually exerting a gradually-yielding limited spring resistance and simultaneously generating a frictional resistance.

A further object of my invention is to provide in an apparatus of the character referred to a series of resilient elements capable of first exerting a torsional resistance when subjected to compression and subse quently exerting a combined frictional and limited spring resistance by the relative movement between adjacent elements.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a device of the character referred to com prising friction spring-rings having stops located adjacent to the individual rings to limit the tension to which each ring may be subjected, thereby insuring an even distribution of spring resistance to the several rings, so as to prevent the breaking of any ring by its assuming a part of the total spring resistan ce greater than its resilient capacity.

My inveution has for its final object the production of an apparatus for resisting or absorbinga sudden blow or Shock, which will be simple in construction, inexpensive in manufacture, and efficient in operation.

The embodiment of my invention herein disclosed consists, generally described, in a plurality of friction spring-rings arranged in pairs, each pair consisting in a compressible ring supported upon an interior core and an expansibleringsurroundingand engagingthe compressible ring and stops for limiting the expansion of each outside ring, such stops being shown in the form of circular radial flanges supported by the sections of the interior core and projecting outwardly between the several pairs of rings.

My iuvention will be more fully described hereinafter with reference'to the accompanying drawings, in which the same is illustrated as embodied in a convenient and practical form, and in which- Figure l is a plan View of my invention, the rings being shown in the distended condition which they assume when not subjected to compression; Fg. 2a central sectional view on line 2 2, Fig. l, showing the invention under sufcient compression to remove the normal camber of the rings; Fig. 3, a View similar to Fig. 2, showing the position of the parts when subjected to sufficient compression to completely close the rings upon each other; Fig. 4, a plan edge View of one of the expansible rings, and Fig. 5 a plan edge View of one of the compressible rings.

IOO

Similar reference characters are used in the several figures of the drawings todesignate similar parts.

Reference characters A' and A indicate followers, between which are located spring friction-rings arranged in pairs, each pair comprising a compressible and expansible ring. The follower A' is provided with a hollow cylindrical projection A while the follower A is provided with a hollow cylindrical projection A similar to the projection A on the follower A', toward which it extends. Supported upon the project-ions A and A is a core for supporting the friction springrings. In order to permit the movement of the followers toward each other, the core must yield longitudinally,and hence the same is constructed in a plurality of telescopic sections. The end section D' of the core is provided with a circular fiange e which loosely surrounds the projection A on the follower A', and thereby supports the section D' of the core. D indicates the other end section of the core, which is supported upon the follower A by means of a circular fiange 6 which loosely surrounds the projection A on the follower.

D indicates the central section of the core, which is supported upon the end sections D' and D by means of oppositely-projecting circular fianges 6 and 6 which loosely surround circular flanges d' and d formed on the end sections of the follower and extending toward each other. The exterior diameters of the collars d' and d is less than the exterior diameter of the collars'e' and 6 so as to permit the exterior diameter of the circular fianges 6 and 6 to be the same as that of the flanges e' and e The section D' of the core is provided with a radially-projecting flange E',extendin`g from a point intermediate of the flanges d' and e'. A similar radially-projecting flange E is supported by the section D* of the core. The central section D of the core is surrounded by and supports a radially-projecting flange E, which projects from a point intermediate of the fianges e and 6 Open compressible spring-rings C' and C surround and are supported by the flanges e' and 6 respectively, while similar compressible spring-rings 0 and 0 surround and are supported by the flanges 6 and 6 respectively. The exterior surfaces of the rings C' and 0 diverge toward the flanges E' and E, while the eXterior surfaces of C and 0 diverge toward the flanges E and E. An open expansible spring-ring B' surrounds the compressible ring C' and engages an annular seat a', formed on the inner surface of the follower A'. An expansible spring-ring A surrounds the compressible spring-ring C and engages an annular seat a formed on the inner surface of the follower A 13 and B indicate expansible spring-rings which surround the compressible spring-rings 0 and 0 and engage the inner faces of the fianges E' and E respectively. Each of the expansible spring-rings is provided with an inclined interior friction-surface corresponding` as to the angle of inclination to the inclined exterior friction-surface of the coperating compressible spring-ring. The inner surfaces of the compressible rings are preferably inclined slightly in the same direction as the inclination of their exterior surfaces, thereby decreasing the thickness of the material of which the rings are formed at the vertical surfaces toward which the inclined surfaces diverge. The eXterior surfaces of the eXpansible rings are also inclined similarly to the inclination of their interior surfaces, but at a less angle of inclination, as clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings. By thus tapering the exterior surfaces of the eXpansible rings and the interior surfaces of the compressible rings the distribution of metal in the rings is such as to render the same capable of more uniformly exerting a resistance throughout every portion of their cross-sections. Both the compressible and expansible rings are preferably slightly spirally disposed or cambered, as clearly shown in Figs. 1, 4, and 5. A rod A, provided with a head and nut, serves to limit the movement of the followers apart. A

The operation of the embodiment of my in- Vention above described is as follows: When the followers A' and A are moved toward each other-due, for instance, to the relative movement between a draw-bar and the drafttimbers of a car-the rings are forced together, thereby removing the camber or slightlyspiral twist. A continuation of the movement of the followers toward each other compresses the end compressible rings O' and C through the engagement with them of the eXterior expansible rings B' and B The end eXpansible rings B' and B are then expanded until they engage the outer vertical faces of the flanges E' and E which serve as stops to limit the eXpansion of the rings B' and 13 A further movement of the followers toward each other causes the eXterior rings B' and B to force the fianges E' and E? toward each other, thereby moving the expansible rings 13 and B toward the central flange E. The movement of the rings B and B first compresses the inner rings 0 and 0 which in turn serve to expand the outside rings through the engaged inclined frictional surfaces. When the inner vertical edges of the rings B and B engage the vertical faces of the fiange E, they cannot be expanded further, such fiange thereby serving as a stop to limit the expansion of these rings.

It is evident from the above description that the resistanceis first afforded by the camber or spiral twist of the rings, and such resistance may be sufficient to absorb the strain occurring during the ordinary running of a train, so that the expansion and contraction of the rings and the consequent frictional resistance are only brought into action when a.

IIO

sudden or violent Shock oecurs, as in the starting or stopping of a train. hen sufficient force is exerted upon the followers, the inner rings C' and C aflord spring resistance and also frictional resistance through the relative movement between their inclined surfaces and the inclined surfaces on the surrounding expansible rings B and 13 A frietional resistance is also produced through the engagement of the vertical sui-faces of the compressible rings C' and (3 with the outer vertical surfaces of the fianges E' and E The expansion of the end rings B' and B produces spring resistance and also frietional resistance through the engagement of their inclined surfaces With the inclined surfaces of the inner rings and also through the engagement of their vertical edges with the adjacent surfaces of the followers and flanges E' and E In a similar Inanner the inner compressible rinL's 0 and 0 and the inner expansible rings B and B produce spring resistance when they are compressed and expanded and also frictional resistance through their engaged inclined sin-faces and also through the engagement of their vertical edges with the vertical faces of the flanges E, E', and E The telescopic connections between the followers and the sections of the core permit the followers to approach each other sufficiently to bringinto action in the manner above described the several pairs of compressible and expansible rings. The location of the radial fians'es E, E', and E between the pairs of rings limits the expansion of the exterior rings and insuresa distribution of the resistance throughout the several rings and avoids sufficient expansion of any one ring to break the same. When the force which has moved the followers together is discontinned, the tension of the rings effects the return of the parts of the apparatus to their normal positions through the inclined engaged surfaces and through the camber in the rings. If desired, the several pairs of springs may be arranged to act serially, either by varying the angle of inelination of the coperating friction-surfaces of the pairs of rings or by varying the thickness of the rings.

It is apparent that my invention is adapted for a variety of uses in addition to that of serving as a draw-bar and buffing apparatus. My invention may, in fact, be used wherever it is desired to absorb a violent shock or blow or to transform a violent or sudden relative movement between the coperating parts to a gradnal relative movement or to sustain a heavy load.

From the foregoing description it will be observed that I have invented an apparatus for resisting a strain or for dissipating a shock composed of a series of elements capable of affording frictional a's well as spring resistance, thereby avoiding the employment of friction devices separate from springs in order to attain a combined frictional and spring resistance.

While I have described more or less precisely the details of Construction, I do not wish to be u nderstood as li miting myself thereto, as I contemplate changes in form, the proportion of partis, and the substitution of equivalents, as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, Withontdeparting from the spirit of my invention. I do not, however, claim the invention herein disclosed generically, inasmuch as the generic invention common to this application and to my prior application, Serial No. 116,187, filed July 19, 1902, is claimed in said prior application, nor do I claim herein the generic invention disclosed in common by this application and by my prior application, Serial No. 117,244, filed July 28, 1902, as such common invention is claimed in said prior application, Serial No. 117344; but I'do claim in this application only the features of Construction not disclosed in either of my said prior applications.

Having now fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. The combination with a series of resilient elements having inclined frictional surfaces,the snrfaces of adjacent elenents adapted When said series of elements are subjected to compression to be relatively moved through the engagement with each other, of means for limiting the tension to which each element may be subjected.

2. The combination With a series of resilient rings having inclined frictional surfaces adapted when said series of rings are compressed to be relatively moved thereby placing said rings under tension, of means for limiting the tension to which each ring may be subjected.

3. The combination With an expansible spring-ringofacompressible spring-ring, said rings having inclined engaging frictional surfaces, of means for limiting the relative movement ot' said ring-s when they are subjected to compression.

4. The combination with a series of spirallydisposed expansible spring-rings having inclined frictional surfaces of a series of spirally-disposed compressible spring-rings having frictional surfaces engaged by the surfaces of the expansible rings when the series is subjected to compression, of means for limiting the tension to which each ring may be subjected.

5. The combination with a series of expansible spring-rings having inclined frictional surfaces of a series of compressible spring-rings having inclined frictional surfaces cooperating with the surfaces of the expansible rings, and means for limiting the expansion of each individual eXpansion-ring.

6. The combination with an expansible spirally-disposed spring-ring having an inclined frictional surface, of a spirally-disposed com- IOD IIO

pressible spring-ring having an inclined frictional surface coperating with the surface ot' the expansible ring, and means for limiting the relative movement of said rings when they are subjected to compression.

7. The combination with a' series ot' springrings havinginclined frictional surfaces, of a series of inclined frictional surfaces engaged by the inclined frictional surfaces of said rings, and means for limiting the tension to which each individual ring may be subjected when the series of rings are compressed.

8. The combination with a series of resilient elements having inclined frictional surfaces, of a core surrounded by and supporting said elements, and radial projections secured to said core to limit the movement of individual elements when the series is subjected to compression.

9. The com bination with followers, ot'atelescopic core supported by said followers, a series of expansible spring rings having inclined frictional surfaces, compressible spring-rings surrounding said core and supported thereby, and having inclined frietional surfaces coperating with the frictional surfaces of the expansible rings, and radial fianges supported by said core, one fiange extending adjacent to each expansible ring to limit the tension which may be imposed upon it.

10. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with a plurality of pairs of spring-rings, each pair comprising an expansible and a compressible ring, having inclined coperating frictional surfaces, of stops engaged by each pair of rings to limit the tension which may be imposed upon the same when the apparatus is subjected to compression.

11. In an apparatus of the character described, an open spring-ring having'inclined exterior and interior surfaces one of which is adapted to coperate with a similarly-inclined surface to impart tension to the ring.

12. In an apparatus of the character described, a spirally-disposed frictional springring having inclined eXterior and interior sur- 'faces one of which is adapted to coperate with a similarly-inclined surface to remove the spiral twist from, and impart tension to the ring.

13. In a device of the character described, the combination with a series of expansible resilient elements, of a series of non-resilient elements supported adjacent to said expansible elements, said eXpansible resilient elements and said non-resilient elements having engaging frictional surfaces at an angle to the aXis of the resilient elements whereby whensaid resilient elements are expanded` the frictional surfaces thereon are moved relatively to the engaged frictional surfaces on said non-resilient elements.

14. In a' device of the character described, the conbination With a series of expansible spring-rings, of a series of plates supported adjacent to said rings, said rings and plates having engaging frictional surfaces Whereby when said rings are expanded the frictional surfaces thereon are moved relatively to the engaged frictional surfaces on said plates.

15. In a device of the character described, the combination With a series of expansible spring-rings, of a series of plates, a core surrounded by and supporting said rings and plates, said rings and said plates having engaging frictional surfaces Whereby when the rings are expanded the said frictional surfaces thereon are moved relatively to the engaged frictional surfaces on said plates.

16. In a device of the character described, the combination of a series of expansible spring-rings having inclined frictional surfaces, of a series of compressible spring-rings having inclined frictional surfaces engaging the inclined frictional surfaces of the expansible rings, a 'core surrounded by and supporting said rings, and radially-projecting plates carried by said core, said compressible and expansible rings having frictional surfaces adapted to engage and move relatively to said plates when the rings are respectively compressed and expanded.

In testimony whereof I sign this specification in the presence of two witnesses.

PHILLIP HIEN.

Witnesses:

GEO. L. WILKINSON, E. H. BELL. 

